BROOKLYN, NY – Brooklyn AHEPA Chapter 41 hosted Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson on his official visit and initiated 18 new brothers into the Order of AHEPA on September 23. The evening was held at the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Brooklyn, with members of the Supreme Lodge, the Empire District 6 Lodge, and the Coney Island Chapter in attendance.
The Supreme President administered the oath to the new class, which brings Chapter 41 close to 100 members, a sign of strength for a chapter now in its second century.
Brooklyn AHEPA Chapter 41 presents the Supreme President with a bust of George Dilboy. Photo: Courtesy of AHEPA
Chapter President George Georgaklis opened the meeting with an account of a chapter chartered in 1924, two years after the Order was founded. Over 15 years, its Greek Community Golf Outing has given more than $750,000 to Greek Orthodox parishes, communities and students in Brooklyn. This year’s outing made possible a $25,000 contribution to St. Michael’s Home, presented that evening.
Brooklyn AHEPA Chapter 41’s $25,000 contribution to St. Michael’s Home is presented. Photo: Courtesy of AHEPA
The chapter also looks to the next generation. Its scholarship program drew 60 applicants from five Greek schools in Brooklyn this year, each asked what lessons from Hellenism they would carry into America’s next 250 years.
AHEPA Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson addresses Brooklyn AHEPA Chapter 41. Photo: Courtesy of AHEPA
In recognition of his visit, the chapter presented the Supreme President with a bust of George Dilboy, the Greek-American soldier awarded the Medal of Honor in the First World War. Supreme President Kaitson closed the program with an address to the brothers, and fellowship continued well into the night.